In 2024, the UK made notable progress in the adoption of low-carbon heating technologies, particularly with a record number of heat pump installations. However, gas boilers continued to dominate the market in absolute terms.
Heat Pump Installations in 2024
According to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), approximately 60,000 certified heat pumps were installed in the UK in 2024. This marked a 43% increase from 2023, indicating accelerating public interest and growing confidence in heat pump technology. The growth was fueled by a combination of factors, including:
- Increased government incentives, most notably the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides up to £7,500 in grants for eligible households installing low-carbon heating.
- Public awareness campaigns emphasising the environmental benefits of switching from fossil fuel heating.
- Rising energy prices and long-term concerns about gas dependency.
- Greater availability of qualified installers and MCS-certified systems.
Despite these gains, the actual number of heat pumps installed in 2024 still fell well short of the UK government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, highlighting the scale of the transition challenge ahead.
Gas Boiler Installations in 2024
While exact numbers for new gas boiler installations in 2024 are harder to pinpoint, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands were still installed over the year. Industry figures from recent years show that gas boilers have typically accounted for over 1.5 million installations annually in the UK.
Although the trend is slowly shifting toward decarbonisation, gas boilers continue to be:
- Cheaper upfront than heat pumps, especially in homes that require significant upgrades to insulation or radiator systems to accommodate a heat pump.
- More familiar to consumers and heating engineers.
- Supported by an existing gas grid infrastructure that still serves the majority of homes in the UK.
Comparison and Outlook
To summarise:
| Metric | Heat Pumps (2024) | Gas Boilers (Est. 2024) |
| Installations | ~60,000 | 1.5 million+ |
| Market Share (heating) | Small but growing | Dominant |
| Growth Rate (YoY) | +43% | Stable or declining slightly |
| Government Policy Direction | Strongly supportive | Phase-out in new builds from 2025 |
Looking Ahead
The UK government did commit to ending the installation of gas boilers in new homes by 2025, as part of its broader net zero by 2050 strategy, however this has been reversed now with no date rescheduled at time of writing. The long-term plan includes:
- Scaling up support for low-carbon heating solutions.
- Mandating stricter building efficiency standards.
- Investing in supply chains and workforce development to meet future demand.
While 2024 showed clear momentum for heat pumps, the heating market remains in a transition phase, with fossil fuel systems still deeply entrenched. Bridging the gap will require continued policy support, consumer education, and innovation in installation practices and financing.
Heat Pump Installations by Region in 2024
Scotland
- Total Installations: Over 5,000 MCS-certified heat pumps installed by October 2024, marking a 34% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
- Top Performing Local Authorities:
- Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles): 20.45% of households have certified heat pump installations.
- Orkney Islands: 14.71% of households.
- Argyll and Bute: 8.81% of households.
- Support Schemes: The Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan offers up to £7,500 for heat pump installations, with an additional £1,500 for eligible rural households.
Wales
- Notable Areas:
- Ceredigion: 6.43% of households have certified heat pump installations.
- Powys: 4.35% of households.
- Isle of Anglesey: 4.37% of households.
- Support Schemes: Residents can access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), providing £7,500 grants for MCS-certified heat pump installations.
England
- Top Performing Areas:
- Cornwall: 0.67% of households have certified ground or water source heat pump installations.
- East Lindsey: 0.67% of households.
- Cotswold: 0.66% of households.
- Support Schemes: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers £7,500 grants for MCS-certified heat pump installations across England.
Gas Boiler Installations by Region in 2024
While specific regional data for new gas boiler installations in 2024 is limited, gas boilers remain prevalent across the UK. The majority of UK households continue to rely on gas boilers for heating, with estimates suggesting that over 1.5 million units are installed annually. However, this number is gradually declining as the government promotes low-carbon heating solutions.
The UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 includes phasing out gas boilers in new homes. Government incentives, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and regional grants, are accelerating the transition to heat pumps, especially in rural and off-grid areas. Continued efforts in public awareness, installer training, and financial support are essential to increase heat pump adoption across all regions.